Bath VA enhances services for depression, potential suicides

Aikman

BATH - With the start Monday of Suicide Prevention Week, the Department of Veterans Affairs wants to ensure veterans with emotional crises have round the clock access to trained professionals.

Veterans who may contemplate suicide together with concerned friends and family members can call the tollfree hot line number at 1- 800-273-TALK (8255). VA's hot line is staffed by mental health professionals in Canandaigua who take calls from across the country and work closely with local VA mental health providers to help callers.

The Bath VA Medical Center also is pleased to announce the appointment of Karen M. Aikman, a licensed clinical social worker, to the full time position of suicide prevention coordinator. Aikman's duties will include follow-up on calls received from veterans in Bath's coverage area. as well as providing education to VA staff, community partners, veterans and their families on the warning signs to watch for and the steps to take to help prevent a loved one or a friend from taking their own life.

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States with one suicide occurring on average every 16 minutes. It is the 3rd leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds and although the elderly make up only 12% of the population, they comprise 16% of all suicides. Approximately 811,000 Americans attempt suicide each year. Suicide cuts across all age groups, genders, races, and income levels. Each suicide represents lost life, lost talent, lost creativity, a lost mother or father, brother, sister, son or daughter, and a wound that does not easily heal in those left behind.

During Suicide Awareness Week, the facility will present information on suicide and suicide prevention at its public booth at Ira Davenport Hospital's Health Fair on Saturday, September 8th from 9AM to 1PM and also at the Bath VA Veterans Health Expo in Bldg. 92 September 12, 2007 from 8AM to 3PM and provide satellite education programs for VA staff from Dr. Kerry Knox, Director of the Center for Excellence on Suicide Prevention at the Canandaigua VA.